24th JULY - THE CAMPAIGN CONTINUES!
Last week’s victory meant that we had a pause, we could take some time to step back from the fast and urgent pace of the previous six weeks and regroup. The most important thing to stress is the campaign is not over!
Our priority is to maintain pressure and to achieve formal recognition for the GMB as our union – we now have 750 CROs as members, that’s approx 1 in 4 or 25% unionised. Amazing work! GMB union reps are now in 55 stations and will be working closely with CROs to represent them.
An open letter as a formal expression of no confidence in the leadership of Chief Executive Virginia McVea has been sent by GMB on behalf of all Coastguard Rescue Officers to Lord Simon Stevens, Chair Maritime and Coastguard Agency Board: Read the Open Letter to Lord Simon Stevens.
ACTION: Active CROs can sign the letter and give their vote of no confidence by following this link: Sign the Vote of No Confidence Here.
Events:
On Sunday 19th July CROs marched with GMB at the Tolpuddle Martyrs Festival.
On Monday CROs from Devon and Cornwall alongside GMB reps walked the Tamar Bridge – CROs gathered on their respective sides and met in the middle in an act of solidarity. This was covered by many local newspapers and the BBC: BBC News Coverage of the Tamar Bridge Walk.
Press coverage of events and the campaign has been continuing all across the week – do continue to share these across our socials!
Next Meeting of the Coastguard Collective Bargaining Group will be Tuesday the 28th July 6-7pm. Here we will discuss our new structure and strategy, share our comms plan and open up discussion re: next steps for the campaign.
Useful Information:
WEBSITE UPDATES:
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Website includes all weekly updates for you to follow the campaign: Campaign Updates
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Website includes a full timeline of the campaign so far: Campaign Timeline
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Frequently Asked Questions: Frequently Asked Questions
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Information for Media and Press including image gallery and media assets: Media & Press Centre
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All information about joining GMB and collective bargaining: GMB Information & Join Link
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Dedicated page for CROs and the public to take action: How to Get Involved
The website is continuously being updated and is a great place to direct people to for more information – all the posters and leaflets have QR codes to direct to our website so the information is continuously up to date.
– Kelly
